The Right Thing To Do: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures one of Simon's songs in its essential form, stripping away production to reveal the core composition. Musicians working from the fake book get direct access to her harmonic language and phrasing choices, which reward close study and individual interpretation.

The piece carries the emotional directness that defines Simon's songwriting. There's an intelligent restraint in the melody, paired with harmonic movement that creates both warmth and intrigue.

Pianists and vocalists working on contemporary pop and rock repertoire will find this accessible yet musically substantive. It suits intermediate to advanced students seeking material that connects serious musicianship with popular song traditions.

• Pay attention to Simon's characteristic phrasing, which often sits slightly ahead of or behind the beat for expressive effect; don't force it into a metronomic grid.
• The vocal melody contains subtle rhythmic syncopations that feel natural when sung but require intention when reading from the lead sheet.
• Explore the harmonic complexity in the accompaniment; these chord changes tell their own story beneath the melody.

This works well in recitals that blend classical and contemporary styles, or in jazz/commercial music programs exploring songwriting across genres. A student prepared on this material demonstrates fluency with both lead sheet notation and the American songwriting tradition.

• Reading and performing from lead sheet notation
• Interpreting vocal phrasing and swing in pop and rock contexts
• Understanding contemporary harmonic language in pop songwriting
• Collaborating between melody instruments and keyboard accompaniment